Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Breaks Silence on The Alleged Fallout Ahead of CHAN

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has firmly dismissed reports of internal strife within the national team’s camp, insisting he remains in complete control as Kenya prepares for the upcoming CHAN tournament.

Speaking to journalists at Nyayo National Stadium during the team’s first training session after their controversial withdrawal from the Cecafa Four Nations tournament in Tanzania, the 48-year-old South African tactician addressed swirling rumors that have dominated football circles in recent weeks.

The speculation began when several football pundits took to social media claiming that McCarthy had been forced to eject players who had arrived at the training camp without his invitation or approval.

These allegations painted a picture of discord and questioned the coach’s authority over team selection.

However, McCarthy was quick to challenge his critics, demanding concrete evidence to support their claims.

“Kindly give me names and back it up with facts so that I know who came to my squad without my knowledge,” he stated emphatically.

“Every player has been here for two weeks except Felix Oluoch, who impressed when we played a combined team and was a standout player.”

The coach went on to explain that Oluoch’s late inclusion was purely merit-based, with the technical team convinced by his performance in a friendly match.

“As a technical team, what Oluoch showed in the friendly game was enough to convince us that he can join the team. I’m very professional, and if there is anybody claiming so, let him back it up with evidence. I’m fully in charge of this squad,” McCarthy added with conviction.

The timing of these allegations has raised eyebrows, particularly following Kenya’s abrupt departure from the pre-CHAN tournament in Arusha.

McCarthy clarified that the decision to withdraw was purely based on player welfare and safety concerns.

“The conditions were not favourable to us, we could have got more injuries and for safety reasons, the wellbeing of the players, we decided not to play and so came back,” he explained.

The coach revealed that teams were not permitted to train on the main pitch, and the available training facilities were substandard.

Rather than risk player injuries on poor surfaces, the technical team made the difficult decision to prioritize long-term preparation over short-term competition.

Despite the controversy, McCarthy remains focused on the task ahead. With 28 players currently in camp, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s fitness levels and preparation.

“We are working on fitness and mass training sessions where my players can play for 90 and even extra time. I’m pleased with everything on fitness, and we are hitting over 500km in distance covered so far,” he noted.

The coach also confirmed that he has been monitoring international player Masoud Juma, a former Kariobangi Sharks player who has returned to Kenya and signed with a local club.

“I have known him since we were at an international camp, and I signed him to play in the South African league. I have spoken to him, I know his quality, he has a lot of experience,” McCarthy revealed, though he remained coy about which Kenyan club Juma had joined.

With Kenya Police forward Mohamed Bajabeer expected to rejoin the squad after recovering from injury, McCarthy is set to announce his final 23-man squad by the end of the week.

The team faces a challenging group stage draw, having been placed alongside two-time champions Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola in what promises to be a highly competitive CHAN tournament beginning August 2.

Players in the camp, including Shabana teenager Austin Odongo and Gor Mahia duo Alphonce Omija and Austin Odhiambo, have echoed their coach’s sentiments, praising the quality of training sessions and expressing confidence ahead of the continental showpiece.

As McCarthy continues to deflect criticism and maintain his authority, the focus now shifts to finalizing preparations for what could be Kenya’s best opportunity to make a significant impact at the CHAN tournament on home soil.